Archive for the "Interview" Category

A young mother, trader, financial adviser and author of a book for children – it is all about Marina Zhabina, a participant of the Miss Insta Asia beauty contest coming from Khabarovsk. She managed to be top-rated from the very first days of the contest. We decided to find out what it takes to combine all the above mentioned roles.

IFX: Good day, Marina. We would like to start off by thanking you for giving us an interview. Please tell us a little about yourself.MG: I got a degree in the field of construction and programming, however, against logic, I work in the sphere of finance. I am a financial adviser, helping people get on well with their own money.

IFX: A constructor-programmer?MG: Yes, an engineer-constructor and programmer. My speciality is automated building design systems. To tell the truth, I do not know what made me choose a truly male profession.

IFX: How did you come to work in the financial sphere?MG: It was a chance that brought me to the world of finance! In the age of 20 I got an idea that even though we are taught many subjects, there is a huge gap left: we lack knowledge about our money. Presently, schools and institutes are introducing disciplines developing financial literacy. I have never been happy with following the “earn-spend-earn” principle, so I started to search for relevant information and people who could share their knowledge, and eventually I found them!

IFX: And then you became one of such people…MG: Exactly! Money is an integral part of our life. Even though people say that money cannot buy happiness, lack of money troubles makes them much happier. I am glad I succeeded in solving these troubles.

IFX: In the profile you described yourself as “a creative yet mathematically inclined person”. How do you manage to reconcile the mathematical mind with the creativity? Is such duality advantageous in life or on the contrary?MG: Since the age of 4 I have written verse and prose, painted pictures, attended a music academy and theatre studio, took dance classes; so by the moment of entering a higher education institution I had creativity overdose. That is why I chose a technical speciality. At that time I was in love with advanced maths: I could solve three pages of logarithmic equations in one go. However inclination to creativity overruled my zest for maths: I found a job in the TV industry and spent two years managing my own project. By the way, I am presently completing a fairytale. I can’t wait for my fairytale to be published.

IFX: Please tell us more about your book.MG: Well, the book is titled A Little Big Secret. This is a fairytale which teaches to set goals and achieve them, believing in yourself. The book is a kind of practical guide for children put as a fairytale. I am planning to present part of the released copies to Russian orphan asylums as it is especially important for children without parents to find a source of self-efficacy belief.

IFX: In your profile you also said that you are an achiever, so you have a goal-oriented lifestyle. What is your main achievement in life so far?MG: I am proud of everything I have today. In every sphere I am engaged I show results highly assessed by others. For instance, there are no people of my age holding a leading position in my professional field. Top managers thought it was impossible. But I did it, even though I do not attach prior significance to having a job because I have a year-and-a half old son. So, this is the achievement I am the most proud of. My friends keep wondering how I manage everything: raising a child, showing excellent results at work, looking after myself, cooking meals three times a day and exploring something new.

IFX: How did you learn about the Miss Insta Asia beauty contest? Why did you decide to participate in it?MG: I began cooperation with InstaForex Company at the end of the last contest season. Then I decided to take part in the contest if there is another season. I am a woman, apparently, a beautiful woman. And I am a trader; I would be happy to employ the main prize in trading. The victory would bring me closer to the goal of publishing my book. I guess it is not worth mentioning charity which I do it regularly. Showing myself is not a real motive as well: there are many other ways to do it. I just came to win!

IFX: You also donate money to charity, don’t you?MG: Yes, I do, for a long time. It is quite simple. I regularly transfer funds to accounts of reliable charity funds, sometimes to accounts of certain children in need for expensive treatment. It was a shock for me to learn how many children actually need support. Every little helps! This method is more effective than finding a person or an organization to pay for the treatment of someone’s child.

IFX: Our contest is called Miss Insta Asia. Marina, what does Asia mean to you?MG: I was born and presently live in the Asian part of the Russian Federation. But real Asia is something more than just a place on the globe. Asia means seducing eyes of Indian women, wisdom and diligence of Chinese people, honour of Japanese samurai and passion of Caucasians. Asia implies a numerous contrasts. Moreover, Asia is home for 4 out of 7 billion people of the world.

IFX: To your mind, are women coming from the Asian part of Russia and from Asia as such different from European women?MG: In my opinion, Asian women are true women in the ancient meaning of this word. They are real domestic goddesses. As for European women, they are mostly emancipated and independent.

IFX: What about you? Which group do you belong?MG: I am fortunate to have such a good man beside as my husband. He makes me a true woman. After all, a woman’s greatest strength is her weakness. And I can be weak!

IFX: What was the starting point of your forex trading way?MG: It was my desire to open up to the opportunities life provides. There was a certain period when I was considering all offers I got. I went through a lot of offers; Forex persisted.

IFX: What is your current attitude to trading on the foreign exchange market? Do you regard it as a permanent job or rather a hobby?MG: This is my job which makes most part of my income. Besides, I am now strengthening partner relationships with InstaForex Company: I am planning to open a representative office in the city I live in.

IFX: It will be our pleasure to cooperate with you. Thank you very much for the interview. We wish you luck in both the contest and trading!

The third season of the unique beauty contest Miss Insta Asia has started recently getting more and more interesting with each stage. Traders close their terminals more often to open the contest home page. Every day we can see new beautiful participants and more photos. The enormous amount of comments points at the unbelievable activity of fans. In the last month of 2011 we had the interview with one of the leaders of our contest’s open voting. This girl represents the Northern Capital of Russia – St. Petersburg. Please welcome Darya Shlykova.

IFX: Hello Dariya. First of all, we would like to thank you for your attention to our contest and your participation in it! The first question is very common – why did you register for Miss Insta Asia contest and was it the first experience for you?DS: It was my husband who advised me to take part in the contest. For me it was for the first time.

IFX: How did your friends react when they had learned that you were going to participate in the beauty contest?DS: They wished me luck.

IFX: Let us talk about Forex. What was your first acquaintance with currency trading and why did you decide to trade? What are the main advantages of Forex trading to your mind?DS: Accidentally I saw the advertisement in the Internet and I got curious. Firstly, you have to make decisions yourself, secondly, there is no such a concept as “working day” and, finally, this is very exciting.

IFX: Do you think there are some specific qualities of women that could help them to be more successful on Forex than men?DS: I think that there is no difference whether you are a man or a woman. The personal qualities, self-discipline and appetite for learning are the key factors.

IFX: What is your main difficulty in trading and how do you manage it?DS: There is a saying: “Cut the losses let your profit grow”. Unfortunately, we cannot always follow this simple rule.

IFX: In your questionnaire you said that you like football. Some might say that Forex and football are not for women. Do you have any objections?DS: Well, many men, many minds. I think that you should not divide interests between men and women. As to football, I like it so much for its energetic and excitement.

IFX: There are some quite old-fashioned films in the list of your favorites; you say that you like classical music; Dostoyevsky and Conan Doyle can hardly be named our contemporaries as well. Do you also follow such conservative strategies in trading or do you like experiments?DS: I think I like experiments.

IFX: What is Forex for you? Is it a place where you can gain money or is it a hobby?DS: A hobby.

IFX: Why would you like to go back in 1935? Why are you so interested in this period?DS: 30-es were the turning point for our country: new ideals emerged; some concrete objectives were defined leading us towards the “happy future”. People believed that everything is possible.

IFX: Do you always follow the changes in rating? What can you say about other participants? Do you think someone deserves the victory more than others?DS: No, not very often. It is quite difficult to give a preference to one as a lot of worthy and interesting girls take part in the contest.

IFX: You said that you wish to bring up at least 3 children. So the family life is more important for you than contests, charts, orders, etc.?DS: Yes, surely home, kindness and the support from your nearest and dearest are much more important than any success. What are all our achievements for if there is no one to share with?

IFX: Do you feel tired from men’s attention? I’m sure that you are always chased by smiles and interested looks?DS: Thank you but I do not pay any attention to it, I am absolutely happy in my life!

IFX: Many think that December is a magic month. Do you feel content that you were acknowledged Miss December? Do you think that it will help you in final voting? Or would you like your victory to be associated with a summer month?DS: I am quite content though I like summer very much. But it seems to me that December is a magic time and everyone would like to believe in miracle.

IFX: What would you like to tell our readers for goodbye?DS: I wish love and prosperity to everyone.

FX: Darya, we thank you for such interesting answers and wish you success in 2012!

Another month passed since the beginning of a new season in one of the most popular beauty contests ”Miss Insta Asia”. Dozens of new profiles, hundreds of new pictures, thousands of commentaries appeared on miss-instaforex-asia.com pages during this time. The most attractive participants managed to earn hundreds of rating points. Among them we can see Natalia Gorelova on the 5th position. A young mother, an amateur make-up designer, a rebel by nature that magically combines passion to explore and peaceful intentions, Natalia told us about her interest in ancient Egypt, the inspiration she found in yoga and her little prince Romario…

IFX: Hello, Natalia. Have you ever participated in such contests before «Miss Insta Asia»?
NG: No, I haven’t.

IFX: Have you come across Forex trading? Have you heard anything about it?
NG: I only heard about it. Unfortunately I have quite a vague image of it.

IFX: In your profile you said you were into photography and make-up design. Why are you so interested in these activities?
NG: I’ve been into photography for quite a while; I enjoy spotting beauty in details and creating attractive images. Make-up design is a super attractive activity! I love the whole process from the beginning up to the final look when new edges of beauty appear.

IFX: What is your specialization? Do you like the chosen profession?
NG: I am a philologist, English and Russian teacher. Before my little baby was born I had been working at a school as an English teacher. Every teacher enjoys everything about their work except for the salary J

IFX: How long have you been practicing yoga and why did you choose this sport?
NG: I’ve discovered yoga quite recently during a TV show shooting I was engaged in. I was given a personal trainer and underwent the whole course with this wonderful woman. I felt like a new person! Fatigue and stress disappeared to make room for vivification and freshness!

IFX: You are a young mother yet a beautiful and slim young lady. How did you manage to keep that fit? Is it yoga or something else?
NG: Yes, I am a mother of one and a half year old Romario! He inspires me for many things and trying to make him proud of his mother among them. I breastfeed him and I’m planning to do this until he is two year old. Besides we move a lot and have tons of fun – this is my secret.

IFX: You also said you liked movies with Angelina Jolie. Do you like her acting talent or does she inspire you as a woman?

NG: I’ve loved this actress and woman for a long time. She encourages me with both her appearance and her actions! Her life is very close to me, we even have a few things in common: rebellious youth, experiments and gradual self-realization, as well as the way she finally found herself in family, children and charity! I am fascinated by her actions in this sphere!

IFX: You are into psychology; does it help you in everyday life, communication with people and perception of the world around you?
NG: It helps avoiding sharp edges, smoothening things in some situations and showing firmness in others.

IFX: What do you think is the guarantee of a successful marriage?
NG: These are understanding, respect, tolerance. The latter is the most important.

IFX: In your opinion, what features must a good wife have?
NG: Strong character and in the meantime mildness, wisdom and the ability to let your husband realize his uniqueness and your belief in his actions.

IFX: Your child is little yet, but you might have considered whom you wanted him to be?
NG: A lawyer, a politician or a businessman. It might seem common but I want to know his life is stable and protected.

IFX: Why are you interested in ancient Egypt? Did you study its history or are you simply attracted by the mysterious East?
NG: I’ve been fascinated by Egypt since my childhood, I don’t even know where this comes from. I’ve been interested in its mythology, history and culture. I even had a notebook where I used to write down interesting facts from encyclopedias, add cuts from magazines and newspapers, and even draw a comics with pharaohs, their escort, people and gods as characters.

IFX: Judging by the fact that you listen to instrumental music, you must be a calm and equable person. Or is it vice versa?
NG: It is pretty much the opposite, in such music I find peace for my rebellious and passionate nature.

IFX: In your profile you said you participated in the InstaForex contest in order to help an ill child. Can you please tell us a little more about this story?
NG: Of course. When being pregnant I spent a lot of time on a forum for current and future mothers; published my pictures from time to time. And recently I’ve received a message from one of the website visitors with a suggestion to participate in this contest for charity purpose – helping a baby! There are mothers that gave birth to children with health problems and they need constant financial assistance. I want to help one of these children.

IFX: Natalia, thank you for the interesting interview. You’ve told us so many fascinating facts about yourself! The purpose of your participation is really admirable. We sincerely hope you win and wish all babies and their mothers good health and more kind and sympathetic people around them!

Occasionally we have a chance to talk to prize winners of our contests, and for many participants such an interview would give much food for thought about. Winner’s experience can be replicated by traders at different InstaForex contests. Today we have a chance to meet Gennadiy Doroshkevich from Vasilievgrad. Gennadiy took the first prize in the “One Million Option” contest which was held from 31 October to 5 November.

IFX: When did you learn about InstaForex Company and became its customer?GG: I learned about the company and became its customer nearly a year ago. Looking for companies that held contests for demo accounts, I found InstaForex and was surprised by a variety of contests. Since that time I have regularly taken part in different contests.

IFX: Are you a regular participant of InstaForex contests, or is it the first time you tried your hand in a competition with other traders?GG: I have been a regular participant since I became InstaForex customer.

IFX: What are your major competitors in contests: traders, you and your emotions, or unpredictable market?GG: My major competitors in contests are other traders (yes, I monitor the rating), myself and my emotions and, finally, the market which is quite a difficult to compete with.

IFX: “One Million Option” is a relatively new contest compared to other contests. Why did you decide to participate in it? What was the key factor?GG: “One Million Option” is my favourite contest, and I regularly take part in it.

IFX: From the very beginning you have been seen among the leaders. When did you understand that you were to win?GG: Despite I was among the five leaders, I was not sure I would take the first prize. Once I already took a prize in this contest. A day before the end I was not satisfied with my third place. I risked and was lucky, although chances to lose were 50/50, I won.

IFX: We understand that you may not like to reveal your secrets. Nevertheless, we dare to ask: what is your recipe for success?GG: I cannot say that there is a recipe. I use standard set of indicators in MT and sometimes test new ones (there are lots to test and so little time!). Discipline and psychology are my personal formula.

IFX: Did you use monitoring at the contests? Did you watch your competitors’ trading? If yes, what conclusions did you come to?GG: My profession does not leave me time to monitor the market all the day long, I spent five minutes a day on it and I think it’s worth it. I got the first prize and initial deposit for trading on a live account.

IFX: Would you like to further participate in InstaForex contests?GG: Yes, I would, with great pleasure. I would like to take the prize in “Real Scalping InstaForex” and “InstaForex Great Race”.

IFX: What would you wish to current and potential participants of InstaForex contests?GG: I wish every participant to feel a triumph, and I also wish InstaForex Company success and many good days.

IFX: Thank you very much, Gennady. Please receive our warmest congratulations. Let this victory open the gates of further success!

What could be added to Gennady’s words? We guess nothing. We wish our customers good luck and splendid victories. Should you like to see your name in a list of winners and show traders your talent, should you be like to be listened to and heard, take part in InstaForex contests and win! Do not miss your chance!

Today we had true pleasure of learning more interesting facts about charming, gorgeous beauty Francesca Ferretti who takes the best after her Italian and Chinese relatives. She is the one to be titled Miss October 2011! We heartily wish her success, new achievements and of course victory in Miss Insta Asia 2012 beauty contest! Stay with us – be part of the world of beauty and enchantment with the best broker in Asia!

IFX: Had you happened to take part in such contests before?FF: I have never participated in an online beauty contest, but I have participated in one beauty pageant before.

IFX: How is your trading on Forex going? What have you achieved?FF: As of now, I am not yet on the stage of trading yet. I am a very very beginner. Learning Forex is a hobby of mine right now but I would love to eventually have the time to fully immerse myself in Forex. I am currently trying to learn the fundamentals and terms of Forex.

IFX: What do your relatives and friends say about your striving to be a trader?FF: They do not know much about Forex, but I am striving to open their eyes on a new world of making profits. My relatives and friends are supportive of my interests.

IFX: You have a truly charming name. It is just as gorgeous as you are. Do you think a name can influence a destiny?
FF: Aww thank you so much for the sweet compliment. I really don’t beleive that a name can influence a person’s destiny because a destiny is only built through your actions and your strive to become a better person.

IFX:. What did you want to become as a child?FF: As a child I had two dreams. Due to my love of music, a dream of mine was to become a singer. Also, my biggest role models past and present are Mother Theresa and Princess Diana. Growing up I have always admired their sense of love to change the world and help everyone who is in need. I strive to follow in their footsteps every day of my life. They are the type of women I admire, and I admire the way they are respected througout the world.

IFX: Your answers to the questionnaire suggest that you love children. How many would you like to have?FF: Yes, I indeed have a deep love for children. Maybe I just have a motherly nature, but my whole life I have always found a close relationship and connection with children. I have that instinct and feeling inside that makes me want to help children and make a positive impact on their lives. I do not really have an exact number of children that I would like to have, but I know I would like to have at least a few. Every child is a blessing, and I will be so greatful to have some of my own one day 🙂

IFX: What qualities do you want the father of your children have?FF: The qualities that I want the father of my children to have resembles the qualities that are in my own father. I can honestly say that my father has played a big impact in my life for his support, love, and dedication in being such a wonderful father. My father has always been self-sacrificing, and has made his family his number one priority. He has also provided me with such a magical childhood. My father would take me to Rovanemi Finland to see Santa Claus, and would try to make each holiday and non-holiday so special. I would like my future husband and father of my children to show that kind of love to my own children.

IFX: In the questionnaire you specified that you like travelling. What place you have been to turned out to be the most impressive?
FF: I find the world to be such an interesting and culturally stimulating place. I feel like every place is unique and special in their own way and it is hard to pick just one place that has impressed me. If I had to choose one though, I would probably have to choose Finland. I have been there a couple times in my lifetime during Christmas it has always brought out the inner child in me. As a child visiting there was always so magical. Staying on the Artic circle, riding reindeer, watching the northern lights, learning about the Finnish culture was so interesting and fascinating as a child. Growing up, I would have to say it was my favorite place to go to.

IFX: What place do you dream to travel to most?
FF: I would love to travel to Fiji. I have seen pictures and videos and it looks absolutely breathtaking. I am a huge fan of sunshine, warm weather, beaches, and crystal blue water. Fiji would definitely be a place where I can escape and have an adventure on a new and exciting island.

IFX: What is the starting point of making the world better, to your mind?FF: To me you can’t just change the world and make it better all at once. I strongly believe that the starting point is to show one random act of kindness at a time. I do strive on making the world better but I know I cannot do it by myself. I feel like If everyone just starts off by being more generous, a little more caring and helpful we can actually make the world a little better. I feel like many people forget that all of us live in this world. Too many times people just look at what is around them and do not see that despite ethnicity, color, religion, we are all supposed to work together. You cannot always depend on someone else and expect them to do something, but I know that I can depend on me, and If I take that step to help people and make a difference, I know that I am doing all that I can to make this world better.

IFX: What personal characteristics seem to you to be the most essential?FF: Compassion and Dedication are personal characteristics that I find to be most essential. You need compassion to love and help others and you need dedication to acheive your goals, become the person you want to be, and fulfill your successes.

IFX: What personal qualities do you consider to be the most negative?FF: I beleive that people who are selfish and not humble have negative qualities.

IFX: In the questionnaire you wrote that you can play the piano. Do you create your own melodies or tend to play the music composed by others?FF: I would love to eventually create my own melodies, however I play music composed by others.

IFX: What is your favorite tune to play?FF: As a child I learned to play fur elise. Even to this day I enjoy playing this piece. It is enjoyable to listen to and it is a true classic.

IFX: You definitely have every chance to become Miss Insta Asia 2012. If you become the winner, who will be the first you tell this happy news to?FF: Thank you for the compliment. If I do become the winner, the first I would tell the happy news to would be my family and my boyfriend. I am very close to my family so they are typically the first to know everything about me. Also my boyfriend and I are going to start a foundation. I told my boyfriend that If I do win this contest, I would like to put some of the money toward the charity so I can start the foundation. Just like any business, you always need to start somewhere and sometimes starting out can be the hardest thing to do. I am planning to build a foundation that helps children in need over the world. My future goals would be that my foudation would be big enough and that I will have the resources to help millions of children around the world. However, at this present moment the money from the contest will be used to help children on a smaller scale until I am able to build up funds that influence children internationally.